85 million European households have a pet. As this figure grows, so too does their role in people’s lives. Pets provide companionship, affection and protection and unique bonds are formed with owners.
In addition to being a source of love and friendship, there have been numerous scientific studies analysing the many ways in which pets are good for our health.
One of the more obvious health benefits of owning a pet is exercise - dog walking or playing with a cat are great ways to stay active. However, in addition to supporting good physical health, contact with animals is proven to encourage physiological and psychological benefits: reducing stress, helping to prevent illness and allergies, lowering blood pressure, aiding recovery and boosting chances of survival after a life-threatening illness.
As part of a wider role, FEDIAF members fully support research into the human companion animal bond and below is more information about some of these studies:
Loneliness
Depression
Stress
Social Interaction
General Health
Cardiovascular Health
Blood pressure
Allergies
The Bond – an overview of benefits
Children
Research conducted among 1160 single people over 65, revealed a link between owning a dog and reduced social isolation as well as reduced loneliness. Aging Mental Health. 2019
A survey of over 2000 people aged over 55 in 2019 proved that animal interaction can decrease loneliness, reduce depression and facilitate social interactions. Habri Research, 2019
Positive research supporting AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy) to alleviate loneliness among the elderly. The Multidisciplinary Journal of the Interactions of People and Animals, 2005
Research shows that pets provide social support post spousal bereavement. The Telegraph, 2003.
It appears from much research that pets reduce loneliness among those in care homes. The Journals of Gerontology, 2002
Research indicates that cat owners report less depressive symptoms than dog owners. There were no significant differences in levels of loneliness. Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences, 2017
Research among 144 older people in a home for the aged showed that taking care of a pet bird reduces depression. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 2006
If you’re in a bad mood, it’s true that cats cheer you up. Big survey of over 600 adults says so! Anthrozoos, 2003
Animal-assisted stress intervention helps students feel more relaxed – with pets having a positive effect on stress hormone levels. Washington State University Sage Journal, June 2019
Animal assisted therapy helps reduce levels of anxiety in a group of people with psychiatric disorders. Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 2011
Proof that just five minutes stroking a pet can help reduce stress levels… and this trial was among health professionals. Psychological Reports, 2005
A group of adults are exposed to a tarantula to heighten stress levels. When given another animal to stroke, anxiety reduced. Anxiety, Stress and Coping, 2003
Waiting rooms with aquariums help reduce anxiety in psychiatric patients. Anthrazoos, 2003
New exploratory study shows the benefits of introducing a cat into the homes of children with ASD. The study found cat adoption was associated with greater empathy, less separation anxiety and fewer behavioural problems. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 2021
Survey of 1800 is more evidence that social interactions are facilitated by the presence of a dog. Anthrozoos, 2015
Proof that walking the dog helps us make friends. Research among 80 adult strangers showed that the presence of a dog encouraged friendly behaviour when pet owner asked for help. Anthrozoos, 2008
Interesting and thought provoking research over 15 years ago showed the benefits of human animal interaction among adult prison inmates. Prisoners gained more social skills and were less likely to get into trouble! American Psychological Association, 2007
Exercising in later life can be a challenge but one solution may be a dog. According to a 2017 study, older adults with dogs get an average of 22 additional minutes of walking per day, likely improving their health. BMC Public Health, 2017
A massive survey among 10969 adults was fabulous proof that pet interaction ‘keeps the doctor away’! Pet owners make about 15% fewer annual doctor visits than non-owners. Social Indicators Research, 2007
Massive survey of 10,905 people in the US links pet ownership (especially dogs) to increase physical activity, social support and improved outcomes after major cardiovascular events. American Journal of Cardiology, 2020
Owning a dog cuts risk of heart attacks and other fatal diseases. The Guardian, 2017
Research shows people with pets have lower heart rate and blood pressure than non-pet owners plus faster recovery when pets are present. Psychosomatic Medicine, October 2002
Study looked at the effect of pet ownership on stress before and during ACE inhibitor therapy. The study concluded that ACE inhibitor therapy alone lowers blood pressure but pet companionship lowers blood pressure response to mental stress. Clinical Trial, 2001
This study looked at women’s blood pressure and stress levels when in the presence of a friend and also in the presence of a pet dog. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, October 1991
A wealth of research now shows the benefits of pet interaction to help prevent asthma and other allergies. For example, exposure to a dog in the first year of life was linked to a 13% lower risk of asthma in later childhood among a study of 650,000 children. JAMA Pediatrics, November 2015
An overview of domestic dogs and human health. British Journal of Health Psychology, 2007
Research among 719 adults with grown up children showed that pet owners reported better mental and physical health and this result was more pronounced among those who were married. Medical Journal of Australia, 2006
An interesting review of research into the association between pet ownership and human health by Liz Ormerod in the medical ‘bible’ the BMJ. BMJ, 2005
150 Children participating in dog-related activities run by an American youth programme (4-H), had higher stress-management techniques and scholastic competence compared with children in activities that did not involve dogs. American Psychological Journal, 2017
Youngsters growing up with family pets tend to have greater self-esteem, less loneliness, and enhanced social skills. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2017
A recent Cambridge University study suggested that children get on better with pets than siblings. This adds to the evidence that a pet can have a positive impact of a child’s development and emotional wellbeing. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 2017
Pet dogs can provide children with support during stressful social situations lowering their anxiety likely due to the dog’s non-judgemental nature. Social Development, 2016
Research among pre-school children showed that the presence of a dog was linked to fewer prompts in memory task. Anthrozoos, 2010
A five year study revealed that pet owning children who are slow learners, or whose parents have divorced cope better with life than those who don’t have a pet. Pet Health Council, 2007
Research links the influence of animal companions to lower blood pressure in children when reading or resting. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 1983